Since 2016, SPHS has been working to alleviate stress in our students' busy schedules. Using the SPACE framework, you can see below all of the things we have accomplished so far.
Students’ Schedule & Use of Time
Project and Problem-Based Learning
Alternative and Authentic Assessments
Climate of Care
Educate Students, Faculty and Parents
Students’ Schedule & Use of Time
- Block Scheduling
- Late-start days
- Late-start finals
- 8:30 start time
- Finals moved prior to Winter Break
- Conflict Calendars - to help avoid overloading students with assessments on the same day
- No homework over school breaks
Project and Problem-Based Learning
- Professional Development - which included a series of days devoted to project and problem-based learning
- Unresolved World Issues Project (10th grade Social Studies) - students conduct action research and connect with community organizations
- Career Research Project (12th grade English) - provides an opportunity for students to work with a mentor while researching a career of interest
Alternative and Authentic Assessments
- Test Corrections - this allows students to revisit areas of weakness and potentially improve both learning and grades
- Checks for Understanding that include exit tickets and other means of specific individual monitoring for learning
- More application based assessments are used to synthesize learning with real-life applications
Climate of Care
- 60 seconds - one example of taking a check and mindfulness break to help students be present
- Peer Mediators- work to provide wellness opportunities in addition to mediation for conflicts
- Student Clubs
- Student Rep on Leadership Team
- Wellness website
- New and expanded district wide social emotional resources. See flyer here.
Educate Students, Faculty and Parents
- Staff Meetings and Professional Development - including anti-bias training with the Anti-Defamation League, Social Emotional Learning, Responses to students "I Wish..." comments, homework revision, modified grading, project and problem-based learning, and more
- AP Information Night
- Student Shadow Days - provided opportunities for teachers, administrators, and counselors to follow particular students throughout their day to get a feel for what it is like from the student perspective
- "I Wish" Campaign - gave voice to students to share what they wish the adults (teachers and parents) knew about their experiences and feelings